Recreation Therapist

Recreation therapists work with people who have illnesses and disabling conditions to improve their health and quality of life through leisure and recreation. Recreation therapists address these patients' barriers to independent and meaningful social contact, as well as barriers to community participation.

Recreation therapists work with people who have physical, mental, emotional, cognitive, or social limitations that may affect their attitudes, ability, and motivation to participate in leisure.

Recreation therapists work with patients to:

remove barriers that stop patients from participating in meaningful leisure

educate patients about the physical, mental, social, and emotional health benefits of participating in recreation activities

help patients practice skills to improve their ability to participate in leisure and community activities as independently as possible

maintain or improve quality of life and overall health, despite illness or disability.

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